Basil plants are one of the most popular herbs to grow and also one of the easiest. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a member of the mint family. It is closely identified with Italian cooking, although it is originally from India. The extremely aromatic leaves also have a delightful variety of flavors, from the slightly lemony-mint of sweet basil to cinnamon, and licorice. Leaf colors span from rich green to deep purple, with smooth or crinkled leaves. The flowers are insignificant but very popular with bees
All types of basil grow easily in warm, sunny weather. The leaves are commonly used in cooking, but the flower buds are also edible
How to Grow Basil
Basil plants can be grown as perennials in USDA hardiness zones 10 and above. For most, it is a tender annual plant that only lasts until the first frost and must be replanted every season.
Basil is ready to start harvesting in about 60 to 90 days, from seed. Frequent harvesting or pinching of the leaves will keep your basil plants producing fresh leaves longer. You can pinch off individual leaves or take the tops off of a large plant if you need a large amount.
Prevent your basil from blooming for as long as possible by harvesting or pinching off the top sets of leaves as soon as the plant reaches about 6 inches in height. If the plant sets flowers, it is on its way to going to seed and will not grow bushy and fill out with a lot of tasty leaves. Once a basil plant goes to seed, the existing leaves begin to lessen in flavor, so don't be afraid to cut and use it, as soon as possible. The flowers are edible, too, so don't despair if a few plants get ahead of you.
The size of your plant will depend on the variety, the growing conditions, and how much you harvest. The Sweet Basil variety can reach 6 feet tall but grows to about 2 to 3 ft. for most gardeners. Continually pinching and using your basil will coax it into becoming bushy, with more leaves. There are also short 6-inch dwarf varieties, which work especially well in pots.
Light
Basil grows best in six to eight hours of full sun each day. You will have fewer disease problems and sturdier plants. This is the case except in the hottest climates where basil does best in partial shade.
Soil
Basil does best in moist, rich, well-draining soil. It's a good idea to amend your soil with compost or other nutrient-rich mulch.
Water
Water basil deeply on a regular basis, but be sure its soil is well-drained. Use mulch to help keep moisture in.
| Botanical Name | Ocimum basilicum |
| Common Name | Basil |
| Plant Type | Perennial or annual herb |
| Mature Size | Average 2 feet |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Somewhat rich soil |
| Soil pH | 5.1 to 8.5 |
| Hardiness Zones | 2 to 11 (perennial in zones 10 and above) |
| Native Area | Central Africa to Southeast Asia |
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